Organization that promotes scholarly and interdisciplinary research relating to Mexican Americans. Also encourages the participation of Mexican Americans in higher education and the political process. Founded in 1972 as National Association of Chicano Social Scientists (NACSS). By 1978 it had broadened its scope and changed its name to National Association for Chicano Studies (NACS) [now the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS)]. Consists of six regional chapters or "focos" which each elect one member to the National Coordinating Committee. The coordinating committee consists of seven members, a Conference Coordinator and the six Regional Representatives, one of whom is selected as the General Coordinator (the principal officer), one as Treasurer, and one as Secretary. NACS holds a national convention each year, during which papers are read, panels and workshops are given, and a general business meeting and elections are held. An editorial board of at least three members prepares and publishes conference proceedings or compilations of papers. Membership varies (235 in 1985).

Reflects the activities and goals of the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS) from about 1975. Contains by-laws, minutes, financial records, membership rosters, newsletters, correspondence, conference programs and publicity, papers and abstracts of papers, panel presentation proposals or summaries, and posters. Association officers who have contributed materials include Irene Blea, Gilberto Cárdenas, Gary Keller, Alfredo Mirandé, Julia Curry Rodríguez, Ricardo Romo, and others. Research papers in the collection usually appear in English, but some are in Spanish. Papers presented at NACS conferences cover a broad range of topics relating to Mexican Americans.